Discover a wilder side of Singapore

Wealthy, clean and well-ordered, Singapore is just about as different from other Asian cities as you could imagine. And while the city-state has a reputation amongst many travellers as a place that lacks the charm and personality of Asian rivals such as Bangkok, in fact Singapore is an incredibly diverse and absorbing city, blending the cultures of China, Muslim Malaysia and India – and offering visitors a whole host of natural attractions.

The bar is raised as soon as you touch down at one of the world’s finest airports, and most Singapore travellers are not disappointed when they hit the city. Its striking architecture spans a multitude of styles; the food is divine; the shopping is virtually limitless; there are lots of lush green spaces where you can escape the crowds; and there are heaps of tourist attractions to keep you busy.

Singapore is probably most famous for its modern and colonial architecture, and its great shopping, food and nightlife – but despite its compact size it still manages to fit in some natural attractions.

Here’s our pick of the 5 best wildlife and natural attractions in Singapore:

Take a trip up Mount Faber

Follow one of the footpaths through secondary rainforest up to the summit of Mount Faber to enjoy a panoramic view of the high-rise business district within Singapore’s Central Area. From Mount Faber you can also take the Singapore Cable Car over to the resort island of Sentosa, across the Keppel Harbour.

Explore the rural island of Pulau Ubin

This small island offers a tranquil escape from the crowds and high-rise buildings of the city. It is one of Singapore’s few remaining rural spots, home to just a hundred or so villagers. You can visit Pulau Ubin on a day trip by taking the MRT to Tanah Merah MRT Station, then catching a bus to Changi Village bus interchange. The jetty with boats to the island is not far from there. On arrival, head for Chek Jawa beach and visitor centre in the east where you’ll find remnants of old coral and seaweed, mangrove forests, and a viewing tower.

Join a night safari at Singapore Zoo

Jump onboard the zoo’s tram and enjoy a 40-minute journey packed with wild animal encounters. Visitors are treated to a journey from the ‘Himalayan foothills’ right through to the wilds of ‘Equitorial Africa’, with a live commentary to fill you in on animals such as lions, tigers, tapirs and deer.

Visit Jurong Bird Park

Visit the largest bird park in the world, home to some 5,000 birds of 380 different species – including vibrant Birds of Paradise. The park’s main attractions include the Bird Discovery Centre, African Waterfall Aviary, Lory Loft Aviary, Southeast Asian Birds Aviary and the Penguin Coast.

Stroll around Singapore Botanic Gardens

If you love seeing or photographing flowers, plants and trees, take a trip to Singapore Botanic Gardens, which covers 52 hectares of land right in the heart of the city. Open from 5am until midnight every day, the gardens are divided into several themes – with only the National Orchid Garden charging an entry fee.

Before you go, remember to take out comprehensive travel insurance from a reputable company such as InsureandGo – and make sure you choose a policy that covers you for all the activities you plan to take part in during your trip.